As someone who’s been passionate about cars since before I could even walk, I’ve always been what you’d call a car enthusiast. My love for cars has invariably influenced my choices, ensuring that I’ve never opted for anything “boring” or mundane. Recently, the time came to replace my cherished older vehicle with something newer. Given my fondness for tech and status as an early adopter, I wondered if an electric car (EV) could be my next choice.
Ultimately, I decided against an EV and instead bought a used gasoline-powered car, which might seem surprising for someone considering an EV. Here’s how I came to this decision and why I’m pleased with my choice for now, while looking forward to future changes.
First, let me explain what kind of car I was in the market for. I was replacing a 2004 Porsche Boxster 2.7, so my main priorities were driving enjoyment, performance, and visual appeal, rather than practicality. Given that I work from home and would drive only about 5,000 miles a year, a sporty and aesthetically pleasing car was essential for me. Additionally, I planned to own the car for about five years and didn’t mind incurring maintenance costs, seeing them as part of owning a beloved vehicle.
I’ve always chosen cars based on the emotional connection I feel with them. I want a car that makes me smile, one I can enjoy taking pictures of, and one that I’ll remember fondly for the adventures we had together. In the past, this has meant that finding the right car required time and effort, but it was an experience I thoroughly enjoyed and looked forward to.
I’m open to buying used cars because buying new doesn’t make sense for someone who doesn’t drive many miles each year. Plus, I avoid the significant financial burden of a new car lease. With this in mind, I’ve always had a relatively short list of potential vehicles, but I was shocked by the limited choice when it came to EVs. The options were underwhelming, to say the least.
To start my search, I looked at new electric car models to understand what might be available in the used market. The EV market in the U.K. is still young, with around 70 models available, half of which are quite ordinary. Models like a petrol Vauxhall Corsa, base Mini Cooper, or Peugeot 208, even in their electric versions, didn’t meet my expectations in terms of range or performance. Although I liked the cute Honda E, it still felt too small and not sporty enough for my taste.
But the prices were the real deal-breakers. For instance, a well-equipped Honda E costs a staggering £41,770 ($51,650), which wasn’t an outlier. Models like the Cupra Born, Kia EV6, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 were even pricier. Other options like the Ora Funky Cat, despite being less expensive, didn’t appeal to me stylistically. Being embarrassed by my car’s looks was something I wanted to avoid.
I also desired a convertible, but the only “option” was the recently released Fiat 500e Cabrio, which isn’t even a true convertible and starts at £37,195 ($47,490). To find a genuinely sporty and interesting electric car meant facing astronomical prices. A modestly spec’d Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo was £97,257 ($120,230), and even used Taycan models or an Audi e-tron GT were about £70,000 ($90,000). Although the Polestar 2 was somewhat sporty and priced at £64,850 ($80,170) for the Long Range Dual Motor Performance model, it still didn’t fully meet my needs.
Having driven a few Teslas, I was unimpressed by their quality and the lack of excitement after the initial acceleration thrill wore off. Additionally, all other options were SUVs, which didn’t suit my needs.
Given my enthusiasm and preference for a sporty convertible, I found myself with only one real “choice.” Even then, the Fiat 500e Cabrio wasn’t sporty enough for me. The high costs and limited choices of new EVs made looking at the used market pointless.
My thoughts also wandered to the future. The U.K. plans to ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2030, and hybrids by 2035. I currently live in an apartment with private parking but no home charging option. While public charging infrastructure is improving, it’s still lacking in my area. I didn’t need this extra hassle, especially when my primary goal was driving enjoyment. By 2030, there will likely be a better range of EV models and a stronger charging network at hopefully more varied prices.
In the meantime, petrol cars remain my best option. I don’t know what will happen to these vehicles post-2030, but I do know that electric cars will only get better and more affordable. Therefore, I decided the time to enjoy petrol cars is now.
So, what did I do? I sold my 986 Porsche Boxster and, for much less than a new Honda E, bought a 2012 Porsche Boxster S. As a used car, its environmental impact was already accounted for, and maintaining it is still eco-friendly. It’s the last non-special-edition Boxster with a flat-six petrol engine, and it brings me immense joy.
Although there’s no electric car that suits me today, I look forward to the future when EVs will better meet my needs. For now, I’m delighted with my choice and ready to enjoy some of the petrol cars I’ve always dreamt of owning. If I were looking for a practical vehicle for commuting, family, or a plug-in hybrid, my decision might have been different. For now, though, my ideal EV just doesn’t exist.